National Donut Day falls on the first Friday in June, established by The Salvation Army in 1938. In 2026, major chains and retailers including Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, Tim Hortons, 7-Eleven, Bonchon, Lidl, and Winn-Dixie are rolling out limited-time offers tied
National Donut Day arrives on the first Friday in June, and for a lot of shoppers that means one thing: racing to the closest counter before the offer disappears.
The holiday was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the organization’s Donut Lassies and Donut Girls. women who traveled to France to serve donuts and other snacks to soldiers during World War I. The Salvation Army says the women worked in makeshift huts. providing emotional and spiritual care. essential supplies. and freshly fried donuts—turning the treat into a symbol of comfort and joy.
This year marks the 88th National Donut Day. Commissioner Merle Heatwole. national commander of The Salvation Army. said in a news release. “The story of the Donut Lassies is one of extraordinary courage. ” and added that the women who traveled to the front lines “displayed compassion and bravery.” He said the day honors their legacy alongside the veterans who have served the nation. with the message to carry “that same spirit of joyful service into every community we serve.”.
The Salvation Army plans to distribute donuts to veterans in several cities across the U.S. It also has other events, including the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship, scheduled to be held in Washington, DC.
The freebies are the second big draw. Across the U.S., donut distributors large and small are participating, with major chains—including Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme—officially calling them “doughnuts.”
On June 5, Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut of a customer’s choice with no purchase necessary. The offer is limited to one per guest and is available in-shop and via the drive-thru. The company also has an upsell: customers can get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $2 with the purchase of any dozen at the regular price.
Alison Holder. chief brand & product officer at Krispy Kreme. said in a news release. “National Donut Day is one of our most joyful traditions – a moment to celebrate the doughnuts people love. the guests who inspire us every day and the simple happiness that comes from sharing something sweet.” She added. “We’re excited to welcome everyone in on Friday to enjoy a free Krispy Kreme favorite and celebrate with us.”.
Dunkin’ is also leaning into a long-running tradition. For the 16th year in a row. Dunkin’ will give out a free donut on National Donut Day. Friday. June 5. with the purchase of any beverage. Dunkin’ also says it gave away a limited-edition tote bag with the purchase of a half dozen or more donuts on June 1.
The promotion extends beyond just food: Dunkin’ is collaborating with lifestyle and accessories brand Stoney Clover Lane for a “sweeter. limited-edition collection.” Dunkin’ says the collection includes “new. playful accessories. all inspired by Dunkin’ staples. ” and it will be available online and at select Stoney Clover Lane retail locations starting Friday. June 5. at 10 a.m. ET.
Dunkin’ Chief Marketing Officer Jill Nelson said in a statement. “National Donut Day is one of our favorite traditions at Dunkin’. and this year we’re making it even sweeter for our guests. ” adding that the chain is bringing back its free donut offer. expanding the Stoney Clover Lane collaboration. and giving Dunkin’ Rewards members more ways to join in while it celebrates “all week long.”.
Tim Hortons has a slightly longer window. Customers can get a free donut with the purchase of a small, medium, or large beverage through June 7. The company says the deal is redeemable once a day through June 7 by using the offer in the Tim Hortons app.
Convenience stores are joining in as well. On June 5, 7-Eleven, Inc. is treating 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members to unlimited classic glazed donuts for just 50 cents each at participating 7-Eleven. Speedway and Stripes locations nationwide. 7-Select Mini Donut packs will also be available for $1.
Bonchon is using a different pricing structure. Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken will offer one of its signature Korean donuts—coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a sweet cream dipping sauce—free with any purchase of $15 or more. Customers can redeem the offer on Bonchon.com or through the Bonchon app using code “DONUTDAY” at checkout from June 5-7.
Lidl is making its offer loyalty-driven. The retailer says it is celebrating National Donut Day by offering myLidl members one free donut from the in-store bakery. no purchase necessary. on June 5. The offer is valid for one day while supplies last. and shoppers must redeem it by clipping the coupon in the myLidl app and presenting it at checkout.
Winn-Dixie is tying its rewards to a specific purchase. Winn-Dixie Rewards members can receive $3 back in points when they purchase a 6-count package of Bakery Donuts on June 5.
There’s a wide range in how brands are staging the same holiday moment. Some offers are one-time freebies with strict limits—like Krispy Kreme’s one free doughnut per guest on June 5—while others run through June 7 or require loyalty sign-ins, app redemption, or a minimum spend.
National Donut Day 2026 Krispy Kreme free doughnut Dunkin free donut Tim Hortons free donut deal 7-Eleven 50 cent donuts Bonchon Korean donut offer Lidl myLidl free donut Winn-Dixie Rewards points Salvation Army Donut Lassies
Free donut = I’m there.
So it’s like the first Friday in June every year? I didn’t realize it was Salvation Army started it. Also Krispy Kreme says no purchase necessary, but it never feels like it’s truly no purchase lol.
“Donut Lassies”?? Sounds like a made up war thing but whatever. I saw something online that said the money goes to veterans programs, and honestly that’s cool. But why are Dunkin and Tim Hortons doing it too, like they’re donating or just marketing? Either way I’ll swing by for the free one.
Wait Winn-Dixie is doing donut deals too? I thought they closed everywhere. And it says limited time and no purchase necessary… so is it only in certain cities? I’m confused already and it’s still June?? Also why “doughnuts” with the spelling, is that some rule now